A growing number of DU faculty members are involved in Service-Learning, Public Good
research, and engaged scholarship. Professors from a variety of disciplines teach
service learning courses, covering, but not limited to, the fields of: Education,
Business, Political Science, Digital Media Studies, Psychology, Chemistry, and English.
Public Good is an opportunity for higher education to play a role in the public life of communities
by applying its knowledge and intellectual resources for the purpose of enhancing
student learning, faculty research, social capital and community development.
Service Learning, or Community-Based Learning, brings students face to face with the world outside
of DU, through:
- Active learning that links traditional academics with community service
- Opportunities designed to deepen and expand classroom learning through thoughtful,
collaborative engagement with community organizations, agencies, educational institutions
and the people they serve
- Structured analysis, critical thinking, and reflective writing assignments
CCESL manages the Public Good Fund and Service Learning Fund, which provide funding to faculty, staff, and departments to promote service learning
and community capacity building.
Anita Spotlight
Reflects on Public Achivement (PA) on Blog
The goal [of PA] is to create a space for students to discover their power to create tangible change in their community. That includes open discussions about social justice issues like privilege and oppression, as well as certain key activities like one-to-ones, "world as it is/world as it should be", "world cafes" and others from the PA handbook
Manuel Del Real
DU Student, Class of 2009 and 2011
Every time I look at the murals, it gives me great pride as an alumnus to be able to see students make a change...Being a coach has also helped me realize I am the mentor that I used to look up to.
Hava Gordon
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology
Last year, I taught a Service Learning FSEM: Youth Cultures: Inequality, Resistance, and Empowerment. This was the first time teaching my FSEM as a service learning class, and it was an amazing experience. With the help of my wonderful Service Learning Associate, Cameron Lewis, our class partnered with The Spot youth center and Rainbow Alley. Both organizations work to empower teens by providing a safe and creative space for low-income, homeless, and LGBTQ youth. FSEM students joined outreach workers at The Spot on night walks around the city, distributing needed items to homeless youth. Students also participated in consciousness-raising workshops at Rainbow Alley, connecting with Rainbow Alley youth through these workshops.
